Best HockeyFights Thread

I will try to keep up to date with the most current tilts and post them up for your enjoyment.
This one is from last night's game and was a real momentum-swinger. After this spirited contest, the Flyers were able to mount a comeback and score three goals to win the game.

Feel free to post up any on-ice scraps that are worth watching.

" If one wants to have a friend one must also want to wage war for him: and to wage war one must be capable of being an enemy." - Fr. Nietzsche 'On The Friend' Thus Spake Zarathustra

How often do fights occur in hockey? It seems to be a huge part of the culture. I've periodically researched the subject (Even though I don't watch hockey) because it almost comes across as a combat sport in and of itself.

^ Steve Bosse, hockey enforcer and lightheavyweight prospect. He seemed UFC bound, but got injured before a fight with Babulu, so it's not really clear what he's doing now.

^ Probert was probably tougher than some of the guys Tank beat in the UFC.

On average it works out to about 2 per game, but plenty of games go by without a single fight.
Certain teams carry a stigma due to their history and have a reputation as 'tough' clubs to play against, and thus have a reputation to live up to ie. Boston, Philadelphia. While others have historically been known as 'skilled teams' who eschew the rough and tumble tactics in favor of a finesse game ie Montreal.
But every team has at least one or two 'enforcers' that are there to protect the star players and make sure the opposition doesn't take liberties with rookie players or run the goalie etc.
Its hard to explain the function it serves to people who have never played, but it isn't just goonery or intimidation. Often times its a way for a team stuck in rut to get a momentum boost or a wake-up call. Most importantly, though, it makes guys accountable for their actions on the ice and keeps the opposition somewhat honest. A player is less likely to run around throwing cheap-shots if he knows he has a Bob Probert or a Dave Brown to answer to the next time he goes on the ice for a shift.
Interestingly enough, the time of year when fighting is at its lowest is when the games mean the most - which is during the playoffs.

" If one wants to have a friend one must also want to wage war for him: and to wage war one must be capable of being an enemy." - Fr. Nietzsche 'On The Friend' Thus Spake Zarathustra